"James was a true Fleet Street legend who became famous around the world as a royal reporter," he said in a statement. "His colleagues often joked that at times he appeared grander than the royals themselves - which, of course, he loved.

"Despite the severity of his illness, he never complained or went in for self-pity, but insisted he had a life well lived. Our thoughts are with his loving family who - like us all - will miss him terribly."